Alhaji Mohammed Ajia Ibrahim, the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, has formally announced his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing conscience, patriotism and national duty as the driving forces behind his move.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists, Ajia said his decision followed months of deep reflection, wide consultations and a careful examination of Nigeria’s current political and security realities.
He explained that his upbringing from a humble background, where his parents laboured tirelessly to cater for their family, shaped his lifelong commitment to public service and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“I took a firm decision from an early age to do whatever is within my powers to make life more meaningful for as many people as I can. That has remained my guiding principle in life, and it has shaped my involvement in business and politics,” he said.
He said that after evaluating various political platforms, he concluded that the APC currently offers the most realistic avenue for him to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s security and survival, particularly at a time the country is grappling with insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
He specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and later as Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as a reassuring signal of the administration’s seriousness in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
According to him, General Musa is a disciplined and professional officer who does not approach issues of insurgency and criminality with sentiment or bias, adding that the appointment strengthened his confidence in the present government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
Drawing from his background and experience, Ajia said his understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges is based on practical engagement rather than theory, noting that years of neglect, manipulation and socio-economic hardship have pushed many young people into violence.
He stressed the need for a holistic approach that combines professionalism at the leadership level with meaningful grassroots engagement, particularly with the youth, as a pathway to ending insecurity in the country.
“I believe strongly that without engaging the younger generation with understanding and compassion, Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity,” he said.
He clarified that his decision to join the APC is not motivated by any intention to seek elective office or political appointment, disclosing that since his resignation from the Nigeria Police Force in 2017, he has not accepted any government appointment and has continued to serve the nation in his personal capacity.
He reaffirmed his readiness to support ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and insecurity using his knowledge of Nigeria’s security landscape, his professional experience and his grassroots connections.
The APC stalwart expressed optimism that with a combination of professional leadership at the top and community-based understanding at the grassroots, Nigeria can overcome its current security challenges.
